As a seller, Microsoft has made some big bets that have worked out for its Enterprise clients. The product portfolio is strong, especially in helping clients transform leveraging cloud applications, platforms, and services. As enterprises adopt Digital Offices and shift purchase influence to Chief Digital Officers, Microsoft has a competitive story and offerings. There is pressure to perform, but generally speaking Management doesn't demand high pressure tactics that lead to bad deals for its clients.
Cons
There is substantial variance in Sales Management styles across Enterprise Sales. There is a mix of old guard and new guard. A number of VPs and Directors have come from outside Microsoft with dreams of monthly blood forecasting which doesn't quite work with Microsoft annualized agreement structure. Also, certain roles -- other than Enterprise Account Managers - are changing dramatically, so expect some turn-over in the ranks you work with.
Former Employee - Enterprise Account Manager in Sydney (Australia)
Former Employee - Enterprise Account Manager in Sydney (Australia)
Doesn't Recommend
Neutral Outlook
Approves of CEO
I worked at Microsoft full-time (More than 3 years)
Pros
Above average compensation if you hit your numbers. Office culture - and products - focused on productivity from anywhere, so working in the office all the time is not required. Above average training. People are always willing to help.
Cons
Very much "DIY" culture. Many, many, many metrics to meet, reports to file, dashboards to fill in. As a salesperson, I experienced that the internal measurement was more important than the customer. Senior management locally in the AUS subsidiary needs a radical upgrade. Previous EPG lead was a bully who finally left the company in SEPT 2014. More of the sr. mgt team - who are cronies of the AUS MD - need to be replaced by experienced professionals. Untalented people are constantly promoted due to tenure - oftentimes, MSFT has been the only place they've worked in the past 15 years. This sustains the internally focused mentality.
Advice to Management
Make room for others at the top. Stop promoting the same old people to high-level jobs. People who have never carried a sales bag are running sales teams. People who have never worked anywhere other than MSFT are passed over for deserved promotions.
Current Employee - Enterprise Account Manager in North Sydney (Australia)
Current Employee - Enterprise Account Manager in North Sydney (Australia)
Recommends
Approves of CEO
Pros
Great benefits, definite growth potential, and the people are second to none. I've made a lot of lifelong friends here. It was one of the best experiences I've had yet!
Cons
Due to the sheer size of Microsoft there is a bit of bureaucracy you have to negotiate, however things do get accomplished and change does happen just a bit slower than most would like. Other than that it’s a hell of a place to work! Two thumbs up!
Microsoft Response
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